Slot, 46, is on track to secure the Premier League title in what has been an outstanding debut season at Anfield. ..Continue Reading
While key figures like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Ibrahima Konate have been central to Slot’s plans, others such as Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah, and Harvey Elliott have seen limited minutes on the pitch.
Among those struggling for game time is Italian winger Federico Chiesa. Since arriving from Juventus in the summer of 2024, he’s started just three of his twelve appearances, although he’s managed to contribute two goals and two assists.
Chiesa, 27, was notably left out of the squad for Liverpool’s April 20 clash with Leicester City, with Trent Alexander-Arnold returning to action.
With the summer transfer window opening on June 1, the winger may be looking for a fresh start.
According to Italian publication Calcio Mercato, Chiesa could head back to Italy, with three Serie A clubs reportedly monitoring the situation.
Inter Milan are said to be the most realistic option, especially as Joaquin Correa is expected to leave the club this summer.
Napoli have also emerged as a possible destination, although much may hinge on Antonio Conte’s future as head coach.
Roma could be another contender, but their interest may depend on whether they secure a spot in next season’s Europa League, as they currently sit seventh in the table.
Slot hasn’t given a full explanation for Chiesa’s limited involvement, but he did hint at possible reasons in a statement made back in March.
“That’s of course more difficult, because these players hardly train with the starters if you look at our schedule in the last three or four months,” Slot said in his press conference.
“So if we play for example on Saturday and then we play on Tuesday again, then on Sunday the ones that played on Saturday only do a recovery session, so they’re not on the pitch.
“And then it’s the day before the game and it’s maybe 10, 15 minutes of tactics, where it’s more walking football than playing football. So there’s hardly ever a moment when they can compete with each other.
“But the day after the game I’m always outside, my assistants have great exercises and the players always show themselves in these moments.
“So those are moments to show where you are. If you’ve improved, yes or no, and if you come closer to the players that are starting – and of course, when they come in [off the bench].
“I agree that for the ones that don’t start, it’s not an ideal world that we have so many games, that’s completely true.”
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